Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson tells the Midland Reporter-Telegram that there are "multiple, multiple" injuries and organizers still are trying to account for everyone.

Photo: James Durbin, Associated Press

Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a...

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"Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson talks on the phone following a fatal accident where a semi trailer carrying veterans in the Hunt for Heroes parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. Johnson tells the Midland Reporter-Telegram that there are "multiple, multiple" injuries and organizers still are trying to account for everyone.

Photo: Tim Fischer, Associated Press

"Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson talks on the...

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Rob Fields holds up the blood type of his wife, Laura, outside the packed United Blood Services in Midland after a parade float carrying wounded veterans and their families was struck by a train Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, killing four and injuring 16, in Midland. Fields and his wife Laura traveled more than 30 miles from Lenorah, Texas after hearing on the television news that the United Blood Services was specifically in need of 0- type blood.

Photo: James Durbin, Reporter-Telegram

Rob Fields holds up the blood type of his wife, Laura, outside the...

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Parade participants react after a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012.

Parade participants and public safety officials huddle after a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland.

Photo: James Durbin, Associated Press

Parade participants and public safety officials huddle after a...

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Volunteers at the United Blood Services line up to give blood after a parade float carrying wounded veterans and their families was struck by a train Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, killing four and injuring 16.

Photo: James Durbin, Reporter-Telegram

Volunteers at the United Blood Services line up to give blood after...

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Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012.

Photo: Tim Fischer, Associated Press

Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a...

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Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a trailer carrying veterans in a parade was struck by a train crossing in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012.

Photo: Tim Fischer, Associated Press

Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a...

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Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012.

Photo: Tim Fischer, Associated Press

Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a...

Image 13 of 16

Parade participants look on after a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012.

Photo: James Durbin, Associated Press

Parade participants look on after a trailer carrying wounded...

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A parade participants reacts after a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012.

Four people were killed and 16 were injured Thursday night after a train struck a Show of Support parade float en route to an annual event at the Horseshoe.

Two of the individuals were killed at the scene, while two died at Midland Memorial Hospital. Two victims were transported to Lubbock and several others released from MMH late Thursday evening, said Chief Price Robinson of the Midland Police Department. Marcy Madrid at Midland Memorial Hospital told the Reporter-Telegram late Thursday that of the 16 injured admitted to Midland Memorial, 10 people were treated and released, four were still in stable condition, one was in critical condition and one was transported to Lubbock.

A float carrying veterans and their wives in the ninth annual Show of Support parade was struck by an eastbound train at 4:36 p.m. at the corner of Garfield Street and Industrial Avenue, Robinson said.

The parade was taking 24 veterans and their guests from the DoubleTree by Hilton to the Horseshoe in south Midland.

According to officials, the trailer hit was the second of two that were pulling veterans near the end of the parade route. The first trailer had already crossed the train tracks.

Midland County Sheriff Gary Painter said the trailer was almost across the tracks when it was struck by the train.

"It was pandemonium at the point of impact. Some (of the veterans) tried to jump and protect each other, their girlfriends and their wives," he said.

Authorities at the scene were going through the roster at 6 p.m. to account for everyone involved.

In 2003, the speed limit for trains traveling through Midland increased from 40 to 60 miles per hour.

Officials with Union Pacific at the time said speed increases bring effectiveness to motorists who don't have to wait at railroad crossings as long, while helping trains move along faster and more efficiently.

Union Pacific spokesman Tom Lange said the eastbound train was sounding its horn before it hit the float Thursday as it approached the railroad crossing. He says the crossing gate and lights were working at the time.

Lange didn't know if the train crew saw the float approaching.

Officials would not comment on whether the driver would face any charges, or what caused the accident, saying the crash was still under investigation. The Associated Press reported that the National Transportation Safety Board is in charge of the investigation, but Robinson said at a press conference Thursday night that MPD was investigating the wreck.

Painter, a veteran himself, said that Midland suffered a severe tragedy Thursday evening.

"I am very hurt and very shocked. My emotions are running pretty high," he said. "Our feelings and thoughts are going out to all the people."

Show of Support officials scrambled to find private transportation for wounded individuals and their families, who were not from Midland. Directors said they planned to establish an account at Western National Bank to provide for the families' needs.

The parade was supposed to lead up to the Hunt for Heroes banquet. Wounded servicemen were to be treated to an all-expenses paid white tail deer hunting trip this weekend, while their spouses were treated to a variety of activities in Midland.

All Show of Support events have been canceled, said Terry Johnson, the organization's president and founder.

Earlier that day, the servicemen were treated to a luncheon at the Commemorative Air Force. State Sen. Kel Seliger and Mayor Wes Perry spoke at the luncheon.

"I'm just sick; I'm sick to my stomach," said Perry, who gave each man a key to the city at the luncheon. "They're heroes; they're the best of the best. I was honored to be in their presence."Clergy and other volunteers arrived at the DoubleTree, where the families were staying, late into the night to provide support after the accident. Many said they had simply heard the news and stopped by to see if they could be of assistance.

"I wouldn't expect Midland to act any other way," said Donny McClure, a Show of Support director. "This is a time when the entire community, state and country comes together to pray for families who are in need beyond description."